Fourfouras

On the road leading to Amari of the prefecture of Rethymno and within approximately 1 hour journey from the city of Rethymno, the village of Fourfouras is situated.

Fourfouras, inhabited by 500 permanent residents, is built at an altitude of 460 meters. The village is very well known for being the gate to the easiest trail going up to Psiloritis and because of the European route that crosses the area.

The village of Fourfouras seems to have been named after the strong winds that usually blow in the area. Another version mentions a Venetian officer of the Fourfoura family.

Being the biggest village of the municipality, Fourfouras, practically, is divided into two settlements, the New and the Old Fourfouras. The Old Fourfouras, which is built on the lower grounds, is a traditional settlement with Venetian buildings. Towards the slopes of Psiloritis the New Fourfouras spans. Having troubles with water supply, the villagers had to move their homes over and over again. Until, one day, a hunter spotted a wild animal leaving its hiding place, where he later discovered a swamp with aquatic plants. Right there the new settlement was built.

The inhabitants of Fourfouras participated in lots of battles against all kinds of enemies and in all the national struggles.

The Byzantines and the Venetians left behind in Fourfouras marvelous churches. The most outstanding are the church of Agios Georgios, of Agios Nektarios, of Agios Antonios, of the Christ Afei, of the Virgin Mary and of Agia Paraskevi.

Today, Fourfouras can offer all necessary facilities to cover the needs of the villagers and the guests, such as kindergarten, elementary school, high school, community clinic and many more. There is also the headquarters of the Athletic Club of Psiloritis with modern sports facilities, such as Marakeio Stadium.